Simple Routines to Nourish Your Mind and Body

Simple Routines to Nourish Your Mind and Body

Without proper care, motherhood can feel draining. Mentally, physically, and emotionally. Moms that take care of themselves are better equipped to handle the craziness that comes with raising kiddos. 

Finding ways to nourish your mind and body doesn’t have to be elaborate or time consuming. Small adjustments can help to fill your cup and leave you reenergized. 

Today I’m sharing ways to take care of yourself so that you can take care of your family. Small, regular moments matter more than one-off relaxation tactics. 

Especially in the winter, try to aim for simple and cozy self care ideas.

Embracing a Nourishing Mindset

The way you talk to yourself matters. Likewise, the way you treat yourself matters too. 

Shift to Permission, Not Pressure

Treat self care as a kindness to yourself, not a chore. By doing small things that bring you joy or lower your stress levels, you’re being kind to yourself. 

Choose what feels good each day. We’d all love to get a massage every day, but that’s just not realistic. If taking a walk each morning with your dog feels good, go for it. If you find joy in doing a weekly game night with your family, make sure it happens. 

Allow yourself small pleasures without guilt. When your mind and body feel good, things that should be super stressful just…aren’t. They might still cause some anxiety or be annoying, but they no longer feel insurmountable. 

Embrace Small, Beautiful Moments

This will look different for everyone, but try some of these ideas:

• Pull out a sudoku book while you drink your coffee
• Take a few deep breaths before tackling a toddler tantrum
• Have a warm drink during nap time
• Sit on the porch and watch the sun set 
• Have a picnic in the grass instead of lunch at the table 

Let go of the idea that self-care must be big or Instagram-worthy. All of these small thing really add up. 

Listen to Your Body’s Seasons

Especially in Winter, it can get easy to get in a funk. The days are short, it’s harder to get outside, and for some, after the holidays are over, it’s easy to feel sluggish and sad. Let yourself rest more during darker, colder months. 

Try to adopt a slower pace when you are feeling worn down. Seek warmth and comfort. In warmer weather, maximize your time outdoors. Live seasonally wherever possible. 

Gentle Ways to Nourish Your Mind

As I mentioned earlier, taking care of your mind is just as important as your body. Create small moments of stillness such as:

• 2-minute breathing break
• Sitting by a sunny window
• Quiet pause with your favorite snack

Cozy Mental Rest Ideas

• Soft blankets + calming music
• Morning light ritual: open blinds, sip something warm. Check out my morning routine post for more ideas
• Handwriting a few calming thoughts or gratitudes
• Listening to comforting podcasts
• Reading a chapter of a cozy book
• Curating your social media to feel peaceful instead of draining

Reduce Mental Clutter

By simplifying how much your brain has to deal with, your nervous system can start to relax. You can try a brain dump in a cute notebook. Or you can do a digital declutter. 

Lower your expectations in each season. I know it’s tempting to want to sign your kid up for all the extracurriculars or volunteer at too many school events. 

But here’s the thing: your brain has to keep track of those schedules and appointments. You have to mentally be aware while driving to said events. 

You have to follow up and prepare, all of which takes mental energy. 

Choose one thing at a time to focus on per person in your family. That may mean your son has violin practice and your daughter does soccer. It might mean you take that pottery class you were interested in.

Simple Ways to Nourish Your Body

Gentle Movement That Feels Like Care

You don’t have to go train for a half marathon to take care of yourself physically. Gentle exercise is still exercise. Try these:

• Slow stretching before bed
• Short walks around your neighborhood 
• Light yoga or breathing exercises
• 5-minute movement for energy (jump rope, jumping jacks, pushups, or burpees)

Warm, Winter-Friendly Body Nourishment

• Warm baths or foot soaks
• Cozy socks and layers
• Eating warm, simple meals (soups, roasted veggies, oatmeal)
• Staying hydrated with herbal teas or infused warm water

Relaxing, Warm Weather Body Nourishment

• Sunset walks
• Stargazing 
• Seasonal salads
• Bike riding or roller skating

Treat Your Body With Kindness

It’s the only one you get, so take care of it. Try a moisturizing routine. Stretch while your coffee is brewing. 

Wear clothes that fit your body and make you feel good. Rest when you feel burnt out. 

Emotional Nourishment

Emotional nourishment looks like small practices that ground you, leaving you ready and able to care for your family.

Try a gratitude journal like this one, or simply write in a notebook 1-3 things you are thankful for at the end of each day. 

Connection That Fills You Up

• Calling a friend just to chat for a few minutes
• Writing a simple note or text to someone you love
• A weekly ritual that feels comforting

Give Yourself Grace

As moms, we can get stressed out over the unending list of things we need to get done. Give yourself grace and let things be a little less than perfect. 

Rest without guilt, or your body will make you (when you really don’t have time for it to happen). Lower your personal demand on days that are hard. 

If you just got your period and your moms in the hospital and your family is getting over the flu, it’s really not the time to repaint your dining room. Stop expecting so much of yourself.

Simple Winter Self-Care Rituals

These can be tailored to the (literal) season you’re in, such as Winter, or it can be something that develops into a year-round ritual for you.

Cozy Routines

• Lighting a candle in the evening
• Making a cup of tea during nap time
• Wrapping in a warm blanket for five minutes of quiet
• Wearing cozy house shoes while inside
• Taking a warm shower before bed to unwind

Comforting Indoor Activities

• Reading by a lamp or fireplace
  Simple crafts (coloring, knitting, scrapbooking. I’ve recently gotten into embroidery. It’s so much fun!)
• Watching a feel-good show while you fold laundry
• Make body-nourishing meals like slow cooked roasts, heart healthy salads, or a comforting pot of spaghetti

C. Seasonal Joy Boosters

• Stepping outside for a breath of cool air in Fall or Winter
  Making a warm drink ritual part of your day
• Getting outside early in the morning before the Summer sun takes you out
• Taking a hike with your family
• Eating seasonally

Choosing What Feels Right for You

I encourage you to pick one idea that feels comforting, not overwhelming. Remember that small, nourishing habits create regular peace in your life. Big routines have their place, but small steps still move you forward. Nourish your mind and body without the guilt that comes with motherhood.

Celebrate any small steps you take toward caring for yourself. You are worth celebrating! You are worthy of rest, warmth, and care. Choose gentle, nourishing activities that help you to slow down and enjoy the season of life that you are in. What is your favorite way to nourish your mind and body? Let me know in the comments below!